A nonparametric measure of contrast in x-ray images.

We propose a nonparametric figure of merit, the contrast equivalent distance CED, to measure contrast directly from clinical images.A relative brightness distanceis calculated by making use of the order statistic of the pixel values. By multiplyingwith the grey value range, the mean brightness distance MBD is obtained.

A nonparametric measure of noise in x-ray diagnostic images-mammography.

In x-ray diagnostics, modern image reconstruction or image processing methods may render established methods of image quality assessment inadequate. Task specific quality assessment by using model observers has the disadvantage of being very labour-intensive. Therefore, it appears highly desirable to develop novel image quality parameters that neither rely on the linearity and the shift-invariace of the imaging system nor require the acquisition of hundreds of images as is necessary for the application of model observers, and which can be derived directly from diagnostic images.

The regression detectability index RDI for mammography images of breast phantoms with calcification-like objects and anatomical background.

Currently, quality assurance measurements in mammography are performed on unprocessed images. For diagnosis, however, radiologists are provided with processed images. This image processing is optimised for images of human anatomy and therefore does not always perform satisfactorily with technical phantoms.

Breast phantoms for 2D digital mammography with realistic anatomical structures and attenuation characteristics based on clinical images using 3D printing.

The aim of this work was to develop a production process for breast phantoms for 2D digital mammography (DM) with realistic anatomical structures and attenuation characteristics based on clinical images using 3D printing. The presented production process is based on PolyJet 3D printing technology using a polypropylene like printing material. First, an attenuation calibration function for this material and the achievable lateral resolution of the printing process of about 200 µm was determined.

Average glandular dose in digital mammography and digital breast tomosynthesis: comparison of phantom and patient data.

For the evaluation of the average glandular dose (AGD) in digital mammography (DM) and digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) phantoms simulating standard model breasts are used. These phantoms consist of slabs of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) or a combination of PMMA and polyethylene (PE). In the last decades the automatic exposure control (AEC) increased in complexity and became more sensitive to (local) differences in breast composition.